The Best Red Carpet Looks At Billboard Canada’s Women In Music Event

Billboard has expanded to the great North — and along with this new reach —the American music and entertainment magazine has also extended its celebration of Women in Music to Canada. “This prestigious initiative celebrates and acknowledges the contributions of women and gender-diverse individuals in the music industry, fostering inspiration across generations,” according to Richard Trapunski, the National Editor at Billboard Canada. The magazine adds that includes (but is not limited to) championing those in the spotlight and those working behind the scenes who speak out about social issues, use their platform to aid others through mentorships, and make calculated risks that bring unity and progress to the community.

The event was hosted on September 7th, 2024 at DPRTMNT, a music venue in Toronto, Canada. “I am truly honored that INK Entertainment is hosting Billboard Canada’s Women in Music event today at DPRTMNT,” said Charles Khabouth, CEO and Founder of INK Entertainment. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to celebrating and supporting the incredible women who shape the music industry, recognizing their contributions and achievements,” he adds.

Jully Black, an award-winning Canadian singer, songwriter, and actress — was one of the 11 recipients being honored this evening. As the Impact award-winner, she feels a responsibility to use her platform to empower others, “it’s about uplifting one another,”she adds. For Black, this extends to her mindful wardrobe choices and choosing to spotlight female designers: the tube-shaped gown with circular citrine cut-outs was created by Lesley Hampton, an Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer whose ethos is prioritizing mental wellness and body neutrality.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Cardin, Woman of the Year Award Winner – feels that this isn’t an individual achievement: “I couldn’t have done it alone – it feels like something I share with the talented women (who are also my support system) who surround me — such as my creative director, manager, tour manager, and even my mom and sister… they have always cheered me on (and continue to do so). They are who I share this with award with,” Cardin told me on Billboard’s red carpet.

Cree Salish singer Tia Wood, who was invited to perform at this event tonight, expressed gratitude and joy. “It means a lot to me to represent my people and Indigenous culture. Especially because at one point in time, we couldn’t be allowed to express or celebrate ourselves. So to be here is unreal and I feel honored to be invited into these spaces and to be celebrated amongst such amazing women.”

LU KALA, Rising Star Award Winner, also expressed gratefulness for the award and being ‘seen’, “it means so much to me because it’s not everyday you get to get your flowers while you’re alive … and me just being a black, plus-size girl — making pop music — it’s not everyday that people reward you for being different. I’m happy and grateful for living in a time where people wanna see/hear from people that look and sound like me…and I’m getting my flowers and I’m alive!” she enthused.

Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, the First Lady of Canada, shared heartfelt sentiments about the event that best encapsulated the spirit of the moment (and beyond): “Women in music have expressed the full range of emotions, healing individuals and communities — by sharing their stories they give voice to ours. And their songs have uplifted us so we can we can raise our voices further and higher…” she offered to the audience.

Alanis Morissette capped off the evening when she received the Icon Award and expressed that she felt honored and hoped that through her music, she can allow others to feel safe in the exploration of what it means to be human while cultivating meaningful relationships and community. As an artist, she considers creating, writing, and expression (through singing/performance) as a form of activism with the desire and hope of giving people the strength to also be their own unique self. In a sense, her wardrobe choice reflected this philosophy – she kept it simple and pure (akin to it being a creative blank slate) – and wore a long black dress with cuffed sleeves and elasticized waist.